Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was driving in excess of 145 miles per hour before hitting another vehicle in Frisco on Nov. 5 and dying by suicide a short time later, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety report.
A DPS trooper reported a black Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed in the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard shortly after 10:30 p.m. Another trooper spotted the vehicle at Frankford Road and began following.
According to the report, the Charger made several unsafe lane changes and reached speeds of more than 145 mph before taking the exit for Headquarters Drive. The trooper began a pursuit using his lights and siren after the Charger accelerated through an intersection.
Instead of stopping, Kneeland got back on the tollway, and the trooper lost sight of him near Lebanon Road. The chase was terminated at that point. Surveillance cameras showed the Charger traveling southbound on Dallas Parkway.
A short time later, Kneeland struck a pickup truck and crashed in a grassy field near Dallas Parkway and Warren Parkway, the report states. The driver of the truck wasn’t injured. The athlete ran away on foot toward several businesses in the area. Officers found an empty holster in the Charger, leading them to believe Kneeland was armed.
In recordings of police dispatch audio reviewed by the Star-Telegram, officers are informed that Kneeland’s girlfriend reported he was armed with a gun, had a history of mental health issues and that he sent her a message saying he would “end it all.” Dispatchers also say in the audio that Kneeland texted his family to say goodbye.
Frisco police found Kneeland’s body inside a portable toilet shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 6. The 24-year-old athlete died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
Kneeland was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024 and had played in 18 games for the Cowboys. He combined for 26 tackles including five tackles for loss and one sack. In his final game against the Arizona Cardinals on the night of Nov. 3, he recovered a blocked punt for his only NFL touchdown.
Kneeland’s family described him as a “gentle giant,” and his former teammates remember his sense of humor and love for life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 9:56 PM.
Harriet Ramos
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